Appointment

What to bring to your first appointment ?
What will happen during your first appointment ?
Forms available for download

What to bring to your first appointment ?

For Psychotherapy

1) Print the Informed Consent for Treatment and the Signature page documents at the bottom of this page.  Review this document and bring a signed copy to your first appointment.

2) Copies of Records (Medical/Psychological/School/Employment). Any prior records that you deem relevant to assisting in a clear diagnosis will be helpful.   Please bring photocopies of these reports rather than original copies. Your original copies should stay with you for safe keeping.

3) Credit card – the practice accepts payments by cash, check or charge. Credit card information is kept on file for each client.  Download the Pre-Authorization Form Permission to Charge Services at the bottom of this page and complete the credit card information. In the event there is an outstanding balance, your card will be charged.

For Divorce Coaching/Child Specialist

1. Print and read the Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professional Informed Consent at the bottom of this page.  Review this document in preparation for the initial informational meeting.
2. Credit card – the practice accepts payments by cash, check or charge.  Credit card information is kept on file.   Download the Pre-Authorization Form Permission to Charge Services at the bottom of this page and complete the credit card information.  In the event that there is an outstanding balance, your credit card will be charged.

For Parent Coordinating

1. Copies of your divorce decree and all court orders relevant to the divorce.
2. Copies of any records that you deem relevant regarding your children and the issues to be discussed relative to your children.
3. Download and review the Parent Coordination Information packet at the bottom of this page.
4. Credit card – the practice accepts payments by cash, check or charge.  Credit card information is kept on file for each parent.   Download the Pre-Authorization Form Permission to Charge Services at the bottom of this page and complete the credit card information.  In the event that there is an outstanding balance, your credit card will be charged.

What will happen during your first appointment ?

For Psychotherapy

The first consultation will be a 90-minute clinical interview in which you will be asked about your current concerns, your reason for scheduling a consultation, and your family, educational and employment history. In many cases it is necessary to continue this interview process for a second appointment, which would be scheduled at the end of your first visit.

Often, you will be asked to complete questionnaires following your initial consultation. These responses will be reviewed and discussed with you at your second appointment.  If psychological testing is needed, you will be referred for an evaluation and the results will be discussed at a later appointment.

For Collaborative Coach/Child Specialist

The initial session is scheduled for 2 hours.  This is an information session where I will have an opportunity to give you an overview of the collaborative process and discuss the role of the coach or child specialist.  You will have an opportunity to discuss your case as it has progressed to date and talk about your goals.  We will then determine if you would like to contract for my services.  The Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professional Informed Consent document may be downloaded from the list at the bottom of the page.  After reviewing and signing this document, a retainer fee will be collected.

For Parent Coordination

The initial session is scheduled for 2 hours.  During this time, we will go over the Parent Coordination Information Packet that may be downloaded from the bottom of this page.  The processes for parent coordination will be outlined and an initial plan for addressing current issues will be developed.   The Contract for Parent Coordination will be tailored for your case and signed by all parties.  After reviewing and signing this document, a retainer fee will be collected.

Initial consultation for clients coming from out-of-town

Many people come from other parts of the U.S. or from abroad to request an evaluation. When a client travels from a distance, the clinical interview time is extended.  You may expect to spend 2 to 4 hours at the office, perhaps with a break for lunch

Follow-up after assessment

For certain cases, psychological testing may be recommended.  In these case,test results will be discussed with the psychologist performing the testing.  Dr. Vanderhorst will consult with the psychologist administering the testing and you will have a feedback session with the psychologist performing the testing.  Following the feedback with the testing psychologist, Dr. Vanderhorst will meet with you to plan continuing treatment based on the test results. 

Travel and lodging information

When coming to the office from out of town, you will find the office easily accessible by car, plane or train with various options for public transportation.  The office is conveniently located close to a Metro station and the DC area has an excellent Metro System.  The Metro System can be accessed from the Reagan International Airport or Pennsylvania Train Station. 

Lodging is conveniently located in downtown Silver Spring.  Go to http://www.silverspringdowntown.com for a complete list of hotels.

Arriving by plane, if not renting a car:

For clients without a rental car, it is most convenient to fly to Reagan National Airport from which there is easy access to the Washington Metro system. Take the Metro to Metro Center and then transfer to the Red Line toward Glenmont. Get off at the Silver Spring Metro Station and exit toward Colesville Road.  Cross Colesville Road at Second Avenue and walk one block to Cameron Street.  Turn right on Cameron and walk two more blocks to Georgia Avenue.  The Zalco Building is on the corner of Georgia and Cameron.  The entrance on Georgia has a long blue awning.  8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 713.

Arriving at the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and renting a car:

The office is easily reached by car from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), only 30 minutes by car. From BWI, take I-95 South to the Washington Beltway. Head west on the Beltway toward Bethesda/Silver Spring. Take Exit 30 (Colesville Road, Rt. 29) South. Stay on Colesville Rd. for approximately 1.5 miles and move to the right hand lane.  When you come to the Spring Street light, turn right on Spring Street.  Go one block to the Cameron Street light and turn left on Cameron.  Go two blocks to Georgia Avenue.  The Zalco Building is on the corner.  The entrance on Georgia Avenue has a long blue awning.  8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 713.

Arriving by car:

The office is conveniently located in downtown Silver Spring, a little over a mile from the Washington Beltway.  From the Washington Beltway (I495) take Exit 30 South (Colesville Road, MD 29).  Stay on Colesville Rd. for approximately 1.5 miles and move to the right hand lane.  When you come to the Spring Street light, turn right on Spring Street.  Go one block to the Cameron Street light and turn left on Cameron.  Go two blocks to Georgia Avenue.  The Zalco Building is on the corner.  The entrance on Georgia Avenue has a long blue awning.  8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 713.